Since Ryder took over as the CEO of the Thomas Group, there was no way a project of that magnitude could be happening without his permission.

Jared spoke up, "You don't need to worry about the business side of things."

But how could she not worry? What exactly is Ryder up to?

For some reason, Agnes had a sinking feeling in her gut. Echoing in her head was a warning from Alyssa, "I know Ryder and Jared well. I don't want them at each other's throats over you." Agnes couldn't tell why that particular warning came to mind. But she couldn't shake the nagging sense of foreboding. Perhaps this was just the beginning.

Valeria stated, "Ryder's intent is clear: he's trying to one-up his uncle. The Thomas Group isn't exactly known for their prowess in the pharmaceutical sector, yet he's dead set on building the largest pharmacy hub domestic, with an incredibly large budget. That's why I left the Thomas Group. I'll admit he's a skilled physician, but he's no businessman. He's turned commerce into a spiteful game. A kingdom, vast as it may be, is in peril without a wise ruler." Valeria's tone was cool and detached, as if she spoke for Jared's benefit alone.

Agnes, however, was still panting, trying to regain her composure. The cold reality was setting in; if Ryder was fighting over on Harmony Hollow's territory just to spite Jared, then this was only the first step in using the Thomas Group to weaken Jared's influence. The extent of his future actions was impossible to gauge

A chill crept up Agnes' spine.

Jared, however, chuckled, "Every new sheriff wants to make a mark. Ryder's eagerness to prove himself is understandable. Valeria, you're wrong about one thing. I groomed Ryder myself. He's audacious yet meticulous, with a keen eye for detail. He's going to be a business titan."

There was an unmistakable note of pride in Jared's voice.

Agnes knew that Jared harbored a kind of paternal fondness for Ryder - a sentiment that didn't view Ryder as a rival., and that was what worried Agnes.

Jared was exceptional, a genius in the cutthroat game of business, but he was too sentimental, especially when it came to family.

Agnes' greatest fear, just like Alyssa had predicted, was that the two of them would end up hurting each other-maybe even destroying each other.

The whole day, the turmoil of these thoughts kept Agnes on edge.

The next morning, bright and early, the head of station himself called Agnes, asking her to come to the TV station.

Agnes figured it was time to put the news scandal to rest.

Since yesterday, Jared had mobilized some media forces to quash the article about Sharon online. The buzz had certainly died down considerably, but the story had already gone viral.

Leo was a constant presence of Sharon, Agnes just hoped Sharon could get better.

Agnes arrived at the TV station at eight o'clock sharp.

The head of station called her into his office right away. Several department heads were there, and Yolanda, too.

As soon as Agnes walked in, the head of station came forward to apologize, "Agnes, I've looked into the article mess, and it turns out Yolanda tampered with your computer and published that piece. She's confessed to everything. We wronged you."

Turning to Yolanda, the manager barked, "Director Bowman, apologize to Agnes instant."

Yolanda approached, her face etched with frustration and resentment, "Agnes, I'm sorry. I was foolish, and I hope you can forgive me. Let's put our differences behind us and move forward."

But Agnes just scoffed, "If apologies could erase misdeeds, we wouldn't have a need for law enforcement or the court of law, would we?"

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